Mushroom and Chestnut Pie/Sauce

Submitted by Sdreyer25

"Total umami dish. This dish has a wonderful meaty mushroom flavor that can be served on its own, with a crust, or as a sauce over pasta."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 3-4

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 3 cups sliced mushrooms (I used baby bella and shiitake)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 small shallots, minced
• 1⁄2 cup chopped chestnuts (you can also use macadamia nuts)
• 4 tablespoons dry white wine
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1⁄4 cup low-fat whipping cream or 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1⁄2 cup gruyere cheese, grated (smoked cheese is best)
• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro or 4 tablespoons parsley

directions

1. Melt the butter with the oil in a large frying pan, and add the diced mushrooms, minced garlic and sliced shallots. Fry over a medium-low heat for 5 minutes, and then add the chopped chestnuts. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the mushrooms and onions are soft.
2. Add the wine and some dried thyme to the mushroom mixture, and cook for a couple of minutes until most of the wine has evaporated. Add the stock, and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer gently until the mixture has reduced a little, just a few minutes.
3. Add the cream and grated gruyère, and mix together. As the cheese melts it should help to form a creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to your desired consistency - add a dash more stock if you'd like it to be thinner, or simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up. Season to taste.
4. If you want to serve as a "pie," you can pour over warm biscuits or puff pastry. This also makes a wonderful sauce for pasta or veggies.